Meet Amanda Wachenfeld: using digital innovation to deliver better rail and tunnel projects

Seeking new opportunities to drive positive change

Senior project engineer Amanda Wachenfeld discusses her approach to improving processes that allow for increased efficiency across her teams and projects.

What do you do at Mott MacDonald and what are you currently working on?

I am a geotechnical engineer at Mott MacDonald in our tunnels discipline. I manage a number of trenchless projects for utilities in Dallas, Texas which include the development of drawings and specifications. I am also working on the team for the final design for the Austin Light Rail and the design during construction team for the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel project.

Tell us about a recent project and how you delivered excellence

A recent project where I delivered excellence was the Austin Light Rail Transit (LRT) Program, where I currently serve as the geotechnical delivery lead for the first phase of final design. The project required coordinating large amounts of geotechnical data from multiple investigations and laboratories while maintaining an aggressive schedule.

In addition to leading field investigations and providing design recommendations, I developed a Power BI dashboard that consolidated project data into a single platform. The dashboard gave teams real-time visibility into investigation progress, laboratory testing, and data gaps, improving communication and helping stakeholders make more informed decisions.

This project was particularly rewarding because it allowed me to combine geotechnical engineering with data analytics to improve project delivery and create lasting value for the team.

What does a typical day look like for you at Mott MacDonald, and how do you find opportunities to excel in your role?

My day typically involves balancing technical delivery, project coordination, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. Throughout the day, I connect with colleagues across the globe through meetings or ad hoc calls to support project delivery, while regularly engaging with clients and owners. I find opportunities to excel by being proactive and looking beyond my immediate responsibilities including identifying ways to improve project processes, sharing knowledge with colleagues, and finding new ways to implement digital tools to support our projects. I also focus on building strong relationships with my coworkers and clients.

What opportunities have you had to grow your specialism or develop your career here?

At Mott MacDonald I have had the opportunity to work on projects across the water, rail, and transport sectors. These experiences have helped me grow from leading geotechnical investigations in the field to managing design projects. Beyond project work, I’ve had great opportunities to interact and provide feedback to leaders in the company through my role as the current global tunnels discipline early careers professional (ECP) and as an inaugural member of the Our Voice forum.

At work, how do you manage your safety and wellbeing?

I manage the wellbeing of myself and my team by first understanding the risks associated with our work and sharing appropriate mitigation measures. For my own wellbeing, I aim to maintain a sustainable workload which means prioritizing tasks and asking for resources when needed. I also make sure to have a support system within Mott MacDonald that I can turn to when needed. I strive to also be that support system for others by fostering a positive and supportive team environment.

What does it mean to you to be trusted to do brilliant things at Mott MacDonald?

To me, being trusted to do brilliant things at Mott MacDonald means having the confidence and support to take ownership, innovate, and grow technically and personally. It is about being trusted not only to deliver high-quality work but to also identify opportunities for improvement and drive positive change.

How do you collaborate with colleagues to achieve common goals?

I believe that successful collaboration starts with a strong relationship and open communication, whether that be through calls, meetings, emails, Teams chats, or even sharing fun photos or GIFs to bond as a team. Through this, I gain a better understanding the team’s strengths and limitations and ensure we are all working towards the common goal. I also believe those relationships allow for communication to continue beyond project work, creating opportunities for future collaboration.

How does being part of an employee-owned business shape the way you work?

Being part of an employee-owned business creates a strong sense of ownership in not only the work I do, but how I represent Mott MacDonald in the industry. It motivates me to deliver high-quality to work to our clients. Being part of an employee-owned business reinforces the importance of teamwork and knowledge sharing, because we all have a stake in the success of the business and our colleagues.

How does Mott MacDonald create an environment where you feel empowered and supported?

The people at Mott MacDonald create an environment that encourages empowerment and growth. From the leaders in the company, to my mentors and peers, everyone creates a supportive environment to ask questions, take chances, and most importantly, be themselves. This has allowed me to build confidence, expand my skills, and make meaningful contributions to projects and the business.

What advice would you give to someone looking to start their career at Mott MacDonald?

My advice to someone looking to start their career at Mott MacDonald is to be curious and proactive and take advantage of the opportunities when they are presented to you. I would also encourage new employees to build their internal and external networks by getting involved beyond their immediate responsibilities. Some of the most rewarding experiences in my career have come from stepping outside my comfort zone and going beyond project work.